Source: Wikimedia Commons
Golden-edged Orchid
BeginnerCymbidium floribundum
A compact Cymbidium with dense spikes of small reddish-brown flowers, long grown as a classical Japanese plant. Hardy to cold and dryness, it is famous for luring swarms of Japanese honeybees.
About
Kinryohen (Cymbidium floribundum) is a small species of Cymbidium. It grows in forests of southern China (Yunnan), southern Taiwan and northern Vietnam, and is said to have reached Japan by the 1470s-80s. A craze in the Meiji era led to the selection of plants with variegated or unusual leaves, and it has been handed down as a classical Japanese garden plant. It forms compact clumps of narrow leaves, and from spring to early summer produces stems 15-25 cm long crowded with small reddish-brown (occasionally white or yellow-green) flowers 3-4 cm across, which redden after pollination. It is fairly tolerant of cold, dryness and direct sun, and unusually for a temperate Cymbidium it is easy to raise from seed by standard orchid methods. Its small size, hardiness and ease of crossing have made it an important parent in Japanese Cymbidium breeding. Its scent contains a compound that attracts swarms and drones of the Japanese honeybee, but not the western honeybee. In Japan it is widely sold by orchid and wildflower nurseries and is also in demand among beekeepers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Golden-edged Orchid
The Golden-edged Orchid grows to Flower stem 15-25 cm; flowers 3-4 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern China (Yunnan), southern Taiwan and northern Vietnam; introduced to Japan by the 15th century
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Flower stem 15-25 cm; flowers 3-4 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Very dilute liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets while growing; none in winter
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It tolerates fairly direct sun and grows well in bright light; lightly shade only from harsh midsummer sun.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the surface dries; it copes fairly well with dryness.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is cold-hardy and can overwinter outdoors if protected from frost, snow and strong north winds; it may fail to flower without some winter cold.
Soil & Repotting
It is not fussy: pot firmly in sphagnum or use an orchid mix with pumice or baked akadama. Divide from spring onward, waiting until after flowering if buds are present.
Fertilizer
While growing, give very dilute liquid fertilizer often or use slow-release pellets; do not feed in winter.
Pests & Cautions
Its flowers attract swarms of Japanese honeybees, so plants in bloom outdoors may draw bees; choose the spot with care.
Golden-edged Orchid FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Golden-edged Orchid?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Golden-edged Orchid get?
The mature size of Golden-edged Orchid is Flower stem 15-25 cm; flowers 3-4 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Golden-edged Orchid?
Golden-edged Orchid: watering & fertilizer — Very dilute liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets while growing; none in winter. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Golden-edged Orchid?
The price of Golden-edged Orchid varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Cymbidium floribundum Lindl.
Synonyms: Cymbidium chawalongense C.L.Long, H.Li & Z.L.Dao, Cymbidium floribundum f. virescens (Makino) O.Gruss & M.Wolff, Cymbidium floribundum subsp. pumilum (Rolfe) Y.S.Wu & S.C.Chen, Cymbidium floribundum subsp. virescens (Makino) O.Gruss & M.Wolff, Cymbidium floribundum var. pumilum (Rolfe) Y.S.Wu & S.C.Chen, Cymbidium illiberale Hayata
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan. It originates in China and has long been cultivated in Japan; it is not designated as a Nationally Rare Species (checked against the Ministry of the Environment list).
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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